The British Heritage Puzzler

Tips and tidbits for travel and for fun

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©JULIE WOODHOUSE/ALAMY

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Last issue we were a little cryptic: “Dedicated to a 7th-century saint, I am unique in having three spires. The verbose Doctor was born within my shadow.”
Dedicated to St. Chad, 7th-century Bishop of Mercia, Lichfield Cathedral is the only English medieval cathedral with three spires. The good Dr. Samuel Johnson, author of the first real English language dictionary, was born in Lichfield—where his father was a bookseller.
Now, let’s puzzle this. I missed becoming Queen by just a matter of weeks; instead, my son got the crown. It was all settled due to religion more than to my royal grandfather.
Do join a cast of many and play the Puzzler. Email your answer to:
[email protected].
All entries are acknowledged.

Sites for the Savvy

www.nationalrail.co.uk
Wonderful for planning travel by train
www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk
Check out the weather anywhere in the UK
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk
Current BBC coverage of British news
www.londontown.com
Great site for the city and its happenings
www.britishcouncil.org/usa
Explore UK educational cultural opportunities
www.london2012.com
Official Olympic website offers comprehensive information

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COURTESY OF LONDON 2012

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At Tea & Tattle, Great Russell Street

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Just across the street from the British Museum, the tea shop that Sandra Lawrence gave such a rave review in her column (September 2011, p. 18) was proud enough to post the page in their front window. Sandra pointed out the column to British Heritage veteran James Graham (and editor Dana Huntley, taking the picture).[/caption]

Keeping in Touch

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We are always delighted to hear from British Heritage readers—and to occasionally pass along the enthusiasms and travel tips you share. Our posting address is 19300 Promenade Drive, Leesburg, VA 20176. Most folk these days, however, conveniently email us at [email protected].

Just wanted you to know how often you “hit me” with a small memory or a bittersweet moment from my travels. The last few issues have been so wonderful for that: from Clovelly to the Slaughters to The Broads and up to Pennan. (Of course, I have a photo of me at that phone booth! And, of course, Local Hero is my favorite movie.) By trains, planes, ferries and buses, we have managed some great independent journeys. Sometimes, like the coins in the saucer, trusting that the luggage under the bench would be there when we came back! It always was. Thanks for all you do for those of us who can’t cross the waters as frequently as we might like!
Jackie Weist
Cincinnati, Ohio

We are fairly recent subscribers to British Heritage, having taken advantage of a special offer that we received in the mail. We just wanted to let you know how much we are enjoying reading the magazine. The articles are interesting, historical and give practical details. Your recommendations seem to reflect what the average traveler to Britain is looking for. We are confirmed Anglophiles, having lived in London for over six years back in the l980s. We still like to keep abreast of what is going on in our favorite part of the world. Thank you for providing all the good information that you do.
Mr. & Mrs. David Meltzer
Palm Harbor, Fla.

Pennywise

Thank you to the Meltzers for pointing out that our “recommendations seem to reflect what the average traveler to Britain is looking for.” British Heritage does aim to be practical. The up-scale, top end of travel experiences in Britain are indeed magical. We’d all like to be able to enjoy room service at the Savoy, golf at Gleneagles and ride the Royal Scotsman. Most of us have to lower our sights and our expectations, however, if we can travel at all (let alone return again and again). British Heritage doesn’t explicitly seek “budget travel,” either, though we certainly sympathize. The British Heritage travel experience is one that a majority of our readers would find comfortable, but not extravagant—and paced for discovery and lots of detours.